Ahmed III vs Tabinshwehti

Ahmed III's reign saw the Tulip Era, a period of cultural and artistic revival. The court sponsored poetry, painting, and architecture, and introduced the tulip as a symbol. The era was marked by lavish gardens and festivals, but also by high taxes.

Ahmed III signed the Treaty of Passarowitz with the Habsburgs and Venice, ending the Austro-Turkish War (1716-1718). The treaty ceded the Banat and Belgrade to the Habsburgs, but allowed the Ottomans to retain the Morea from Venice.

Ahmed III's empire went to war with the Safavid Empire, taking advantage of its decline. Ottoman forces captured Tabriz and other territories in the Caucasus. The war ended with the Treaty of Hamedan in 1727, confirming Ottoman gains.

Ahmed III granted permission to Ibrahim Muteferrika to establish the first Ottoman printing press. The press published books in Turkish and Arabic, spreading knowledge and modernizing education. This was a key reform of the Tulip Era.

Ahmed III was overthrown by a revolt led by Patrona Halil, a Janissary and former sailor. The rebels, angry over the Tulip Era's extravagance and the war with Persia, forced Ahmed to abdicate. He was replaced by his nephew Mahmud I.

Tabinshwehti, building on his father Minkyinyo's achievements, conquered the Mon kingdom of Pegu and other states, unifying much of Burma under Toungoo rule. He moved the capital to Pegu and established the Toungoo Empire as the dominant power in the region.

Tabinshwehti launched an invasion of the Ayutthaya Kingdom (Siam), capturing the capital and forcing the Siamese king to become a vassal. This campaign extended Toungoo influence into Southeast Asia and demonstrated Burmese military power.

Tabinshwehti was assassinated by his own bodyguard, a Mon nobleman named Smim Sawhtut, who then declared himself king. The assassination plunged the Toungoo Empire into a succession crisis and civil war, temporarily halting its expansion.